Talk Back: October 2012

From Our Contributors: The story behind the story

Moving your Parents Around

Lee Nelson: I know many people struggling to help their elderly parents from afar or just in their busy schedules. I have told several of them to call a senior move manager for help. They seem to be miracle workers and understand the delicacies of packing up someone’s memories. See Lee’s story here.

Private Education

Brianna Snyder: There’s a lot of talk about the embarrassing state of education right now. Are private and charter schools the solution to a system bogged down by underfunding and bureaucratic heavyhandedness? We’ll have to see, but right now the special care, unthreatened arts programs and small class sizes found at private organizations bode better for our kids than many underfunded public districts. Read Brianna’s story online here.

Fall Bulbs

Cari Scribner: This was the ideal story for me to research! I bought my own house last year, and put in several gardens with plenty of perennials. I thought I’d have to dig up the bulbs and store them for the winter. I’m relieved to know how low-maintenance they are. See Cari’s story here.

Home Security

Laurie Fischer: I suspected that the poor economy would lead to more break-ins. Burglaries did increase over the past five years in the Capital Region. I also learned that it pays to lock your door! See Laurie’s story here.

Locavore: Saratoga Olive Oil

Wendy Page: I learned the power of taking a leap of faith and doing something you love to do. The Braidwoods love the concept behind their store, and their pride in it shines through. The store is immaculate and well thought-out, every customer (including me) gets an education, and the product is top-notch. I also learned that seemingly gentle olive oil can sometimes burn your throat (in a really good way!). See Wendy’s story here.

Building your creative confidence

Merci Miglino: What I learned is to let go of that critical voice in your head that’s always judging you and let the ideas fly. So what if they are silly, simple or outright impossible? Start somewhere and go from there. You can always refine, correct and change them. See Merci’s story here.

We asked, you answered!

What’s your favorite piece of furniture in your house? Why?

Laura: Our entry buffet! It was the bottom of my grandmother’s hutch (top removed) and I refinished it matte black. Then on the top I placed black and white old photos under glass.

If you had an unlimited amount of money to spend on redoing just one room, what room would you pick? And what would you do?

Paul: An open family room with lots of light, going to a walk-out flagstone patio with a firepit in the center.

Tracey: I’d have to go with my kitchen/dining area….it has so much potential but I don’t know which direction to go…it’s an outdated kitchen, yet has a floor to ceiling brick wall with fireplace, could be awesome with some vision and unlimited cash!

Gail: Push out the back of the house and build an enormous kitchen and extend the family room.

Linda: I would pick my kitchen … completely gut it and start from scratch. Oh the things I could do!

Jenn: Bathroom hands down: Huge jacuzzi tub, separate shower with a couple of shower heads, large vanity area — I could go on and on!

Lisa: Basement, finish it, with a bathroom!

Laura: It sounds boring, but laundry room! It is very cellar right now and I wish it was more of a room with great storage.